Our Impact

Inspiring and empowering young people

Thank you for making the 35th Annual JA Governors’ Celebration a success!

90+ students, 3 days and an unforgettable experience.

Earlier this month, 90+ students from across Canada gathered for JA Camp Success 2025, a three-day adventure designed to build resilience, confidence and community through experiential learning.

Hosted at the scenic and sunny YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Center, the camp welcomed JA students in Grades 9 to 11 for a program focused on developing skills for both personal growth and future career success.

Camp D2_CREDIT Leah Meddaoui (398)

Photo by: Leah Meddaoui

Challenging Comfort Zones & Building Trust
Students participated in a variety of hands-on team-building activities, from high ropes to a blindfolded maze and compass orienteering, all aimed at building leadership, trust and collaboration. These high-energy challenges gave them the chance to step outside of their comfort zones and lean on each other, strengthening bonds and building confidence.

Group photo 2_CREDIT Leah Meddaoui

Photo by: Leah Meddaoui

A Focus on Mental Wellness
Led by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, a dedicated workshop on mental wellness created space for students to explore the importance of mental health. The session tackled many ways of reducing stigma around mental health and developing tools for their well-being while supporting others.

“One thing I learned that stuck out to me was that everyone has good days and everyone has bad days,” shared Violet G., a participant from JA Northern Alberta, “Mental health is always talked about negatively in teenagers and I learned we should invite others to talk about their mental health and view it as a normal experience.”

This workshop was a valuable space for reflections and open conversations, reinforcing that resilience is as much about emotional strength as it is about practical skills.

Connection, Growth & Community
The energy throughout JA Camp Success was vibrant, full of laughter and connection. Though many students met for the first time, the spirit of JA fostered an instant sense of camaraderie that will last far beyond camp.

“I enjoyed making new friends,” shared one student. “[…] I’m happy everyone was so friendly… I now have a lot of good relationships and I’m grateful for all of them.”

We’re grateful to the Z Zurich Foundation, Zurich Canada and JA Canada for their generous support in making this experience possible. Together, we’re helping students across Canada gain the confidence, skills and mindset they need to thrive.

See highlights from the event below:

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Don't forget to share your experience on social media by tagging us and using the #JACampSuccess2025 hashtag.